Peer Mentors

Peer Mentors are an essential part of Skidmore College's First-Year Experience, helping new students navigate their transition to college while building meaningful connections across campus.

Working alongside Scribner Seminar faculty and First-Year Experience staff, Peer Mentors encourage first-year students to explore academic opportunities, discover campus resources, and become active members of the Skidmore community. Through their own experiences, they offer guidance, answer questions, and help students make the most of their first semester.

Supporting the first-year experience

The transition to college is about more than finding classrooms or choosing courses. It's about building confidence, forming connections, and discovering opportunities that make Skidmore feel like home.

Peer Mentors help students do just that. They connect classroom learning with campus life by encouraging participation in academic, co-curricular, and community experiences. Whether they're sharing advice, introducing campus traditions, or connecting students with resources, Peer Mentors help first-year students feel supported and engaged.

Learning through leadership 

Peer Mentors are selected for their academic achievement, leadership, and commitment to helping others. They serve as approachable role models while strengthening their own communication, leadership, and mentoring skills through collaboration with faculty and staff.

Who are peer mentors?

Peer Mentors are sophomores, juniors, and seniors from a wide range of academic interests and campus experiences. They may live in residence halls, elsewhere on campus, or in downtown Saratoga Springs, but all remain actively engaged with their first-year students throughout the semester.

What do peer mentors do?

Peer Mentors work closely with Scribner Seminar faculty to:

• Serve as positive academic and social role models.
• Help students navigate the transition to college.
• Encourage involvement in campus programs, organizations, and events.
• Connect students with campus resources and support services.
• Foster confidence, engagement, and belonging.
• Serve as liaisons between students, faculty, and First-Year Experience staff.